[Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation](https://www.cattfoundation.org)

April 15, 2026 (Community Fund, spring cycle) | October 15, 2026 (Community Fund, fall cycle)

Up to $2,500 per grant; one proposal per organization per year.

Supports innovative projects addressing critical needs in Cattaraugus County across diverse charitable areas.

--- ## Description The Community Fund, administered by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation (CRCF), provides competitive, unrestricted grants to support innovative and impactful projects that address the most pressing needs in Cattaraugus County, NY. Funding is available for a broad range of charitable purposes, including but not limited to animal welfare, arts and culture, education, community and economic development, environment, health and wellness, human services, recreation, and youth development. The fund is designed to support emerging opportunities and one-time initiatives rather than ongoing operational needs. Proposals are reviewed by a committee of professionals and community volunteers, with final decisions made by the CRCF board of directors. The fund aims to foster projects that strengthen the region and catalyze positive change. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Community Fund application deadline (for consideration at the May board meeting) - October 15, 2026: Community Fund application deadline (for consideration at the November board meeting) Only one proposal per organization is considered each calendar year for the Community Fund. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $2,500 per grant - Only one proposal per organization per year will be considered Grants are generally not intended to fund ongoing annual/operational needs. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Cattaraugus County - School districts - Universities and government organizations - Religious institutions (requests must serve a charitable purpose) **Ineligible uses** include: - Ongoing annual/operational needs - Salary and fringe benefits - Marketing/advertising - Sponsorships of fundraising events - Endowment building - Religious purposes (unless serving a charitable need) - Loans or assistance to individuals - Political purposes - Activities predating the Foundation's decision - Organizations that discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, or physical ability --- ## Application Process 1. Register and log in to the [CRCF online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=crcfrelief). 2. Complete the Community Fund application form and upload required documents. 3. Submit your application by the appropriate deadline (April 15 or October 15). 4. Applications are reviewed by the Grant Allocations Committee and then the CRCF board of directors. 5. Applicants are notified of funding decisions, typically within two weeks of the board meeting. 6. Funded projects must submit a final report at the conclusion of the grant. For guidance on using the application system, view the [Applicant Tutorial (video)](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1032486620?badge=0&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479). Applicants are encouraged to contact CRCF staff before applying. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are evaluated based on organization strength, community need, feasibility and impact, project budget, and the role of CRCF funding. See the [proposal assessment rubric (PDF)](https://www.cattfoundation.org/documents//proposal%20assessment%20rubric.pdf) for details. - Successful applicants may be required to provide a written annual report in addition to the final report. - The CRCF board of directors has final authority over all funding decisions. --- ## External Links - [Community Fund program page](https://www.cattfoundation.org/grant-seekers/grant-opportunities/#mental-wellness-in-cattaraugus-county-fund) - [Online grant application portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=crcfrelief) - [Proposal assessment rubric (PDF)](https://www.cattfoundation.org/documents//proposal%20assessment%20rubric.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial (video)](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1032486620?badge=0&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479) - [Contact CRCF](https://www.cattfoundation.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | CRCF Staff | [foundation@cattfoundation.org](mailto:foundation@cattfoundation.org) | | Phone | (716) 301-CRCF (2723) | | Address | 301 North Union Street, Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760 | | General Contact | [Contact form](https://www.cattfoundation.org/contact-us) |

Community Fund

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